15,000 Gallons
40% increase in capacity
$25,000 per inch
Rain gutters are more important than you might realize. Though they can add a nice decorative element to your home, their primary purpose is to prevent mold, mildew, and other water damage. Gutters keep your home in place by directing rainwater away from your siding and foundation.
Gutters are most often installed by professionals, but there's no reason you can't do it yourself. All the materials and accessories are readily available at home centers, lumberyards, and roofing-supply firms. Keep in mind the art of leveling gutters and directing water away from your home is best done by trained professionals.
Generally, installing standard gutters costs anywhere from $1,000 - $7,000, which comes out to approx. $10 - $20 per linear foot. The exact cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the material, style, size, cost of labor, and more.
Unlike aluminum gutters that come with seamless options, vinyl gutters are only available in sections. As a result, they're more likely to leak. The average life span is much longer for aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters can better withstand adverse weather conditions.
Whether you need gutters around your entire house depends largely on the size of your house, as well as how many slopes you have dividing it. Properly installed rain gutters are highly effective, so it is often unnecessary for gutters to run along the entire structure. That being said, it depends on your home.
It is important to note that some types of roofing may not need gutters. Roofs that have significant overhangs will direct water away from the house regardless, which means your home is less likely to need gutters. A significant overhang also means that installing gutters could potentially be a more complex operation.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the lifespan of gutters depends on the type of materials they're made with.
Copper: 50-plus years (downspouts 100-plus years)
Aluminum: 20 years (downspouts 40 years)
Galvanized Steel: 20 years.
Vinyl: 10 years.
Black or dark-colored gutters will generally look better longer. In the midwest, we get a lot of rain and wet weather. Gutters that are a dark color tend to hold up better under these circumstances. Light colors will show stains and debris like splashed-up mud and dirt particles.
6-inch gutters can handle almost 50% more water than 5-inch gutters. They are installed with bigger 3”x4” downspouts for better water management. 6-inch gutters are less likely to get clogged up because they can handle more water flow and come with a bigger outlet.